How to Not Pay Retail For Anything

I never pay full price for anything. If I want to buy something, I will stalk it until the right sale comes along, and then hopefully, get a good price. But, that takes a bit of patience, plus the item could be gone before you have a chance to buy it. Is there a better way to not pay retail?

Price Matching
Many stores will match a competitor’s price if it’s lower. As a matter of fact, my cheeky roommate scored several pairs of Levi’s for $33 each – he just told the sales clerk that they were cheaper at another store and the clerk adjusted the price … without even checking!

Negotiation
I have to confess, I’m not too good at this, but my roommate will shamelessly bargain – WHEREVER he shops – and you’d be surprised when some stores will give in. I have been with him at the meat counter of our local store while he tries to get a good deal on a roast - I actually I had to walk away because I was kind of getting embarrassed … but low and behold, he got a deal!

Don’t Feel Stupid
The trick to proper bargaining is to lose any feeling of being ashamed or self-consciousness. You have to stick to your guns until they either say ‘no’ or give in. Most cultures actually bargain – not sure why it isn’t completely accepted or practiced here. I guess we’re too concerned about what people think …

Out of Season
Many stores, like Winners, sell cast-off items or clothing that’s slightly ‘out of season’. Most of the time, you can’t tell but you really need to be patient to find what you’re looking for. I usually go once a week during my lunch and poke around to see what there is. Or, you have to decide ahead of time what you’re looking for, and just go directly to it.

When you’re looking for a deal, you can forget about having any kind of ‘shopping experience’. I don’t know about you, but I’m not willing to pay higher prices for a fancy-looking store or snooty sales clerks.

With the economy in the toilet right now, I’ve been seeing lots of great sales in the stores. But, I have to get at least 50% off or I won’t even consider buying something.

And remember, if it’s on sale but you don’t need it, it will never be a good deal.

If you like this post, then subsribe for free updates HERE or click on the bright orange logo on the TOP RIGHT section of my blog. You can also sign up for free EMAIL UPDATES, as well